Under ideal circumstances, my morning meditation leads to setting an intention for the day. A few days ago the words "clean and clear" popped into my mind. As I pondered their meaning, I recalled the previous morning when I arrived at my car only to find a hard frost covering the windshield. Being in a hurry to get to yoga, I was frustrated and didn't have time to properly scrape the windows. (Rushing and frustrated to yoga?!?!? I know. I know...) Using my Seattle Art Museum membership card as a not-very-effective tool, I managed to clear just enough space to peek out the windshield. It was still dark outside and the space was narrow, so I was on high alert as my body crouched tightly the entire way to class. Anxiety was my companion, because I didn't know when a bike, car or pedestrian might cross my dimly lit path. It was quite uncomfortable yet I pressed on because I was in a rush. I managed to arrive at my destination without incident, but the way certainly wasn't very "clean and clear."
Isn't this just like life? When we're not clean and clear with ourselves (i.e. when we ignore our feelings or circumstances), we jump or startle when something comes out of the dark and/or live life curled up inside ourselves. How much better would it be to have a clear windshield and less obstructed vision? Doesn't clean and clear sound more satisfying than crouched and constricted? The obstacles don't necessarily go away, but with clean space we have increased opportunity to see clearly.Where does your windshield need a little more clearing? Want some help getting clean with your personal intentions? I'd love to lend a hand (or an ear). Check this out...
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8 comments:
Lovely post and so true. Sometimes, though, I feel that I have no clear vision of intent, which in the past has caused fear/anxiety to creep in. I've learned that instead of a reaction with feelings of fear and loss of control, that's where I just have to have faith, and walk like the blind man or wait and be patient...and in this, the vision/feeling of intent seems to reveal itself. Strange how that works. :)
Of course, the other option is to park in the garage - but it kinda ruins the metaphor
hgf - what a wonderful process you've just described! that's typically how my intentions come to me... if i go looking for them they become somewhat elusive.
les - that would mean the garage has to be clean enough for the car to fit in... and that's a whole other metaphor!!! nice to see you :)
Of course in Germany you'd have been arrested, they have very strict laws about that sort of thing, but that's another story!
I had some very similar reflections recently and now you've ruined the blog post I've been writing mentally! (Pout...) Coming home from Turvey on Sunday it was raining and I noticed for about the hundredth time that there was a bit of twig caught under one of my wipers which was creating a perfect arc of obstruction to my view. This time, I took the trouble to get out and remove the twig. Presto! Perfect field of vision. How many times do we put off taking simple and quick action that will improve our lives?
Oh my gosh - I so relate to this story. I had to laugh at using your card to scrape the windshield. I've used CD cases, the bottom edge of paper coffee cups, and similarly ludicrous things myself.
On a more serious note, I also relate to the need to put meditation and intention-setting first in my day. I've recently been getting back to that and it makes SUCH a difference.
tess - sounds like maybe you have personal experience in germany?!?!? i also say stop pouting and write your "twig" story! i have another one i the wings about bird poop in my peripheral vision. compelling, huh?
polli - i first started scraping with a hard piece of cardboard - graduated to the credit card-like museum card and later found out there was a proper scraper in the car. who knew? the story wouldn't have been nearly as entertaining, huh?
and yes, beginning the day with meditation and intention makes a HUGE difference in my overall "temperature".
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